Bright, buttery, and bursting with citrus 🍋—these Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies are everything a sweet treat should be. Perfectly crisp on the edges with a chewy center and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, this recipe delivers sunshine in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a refreshing change from chocolate, these cookies are a citrus lover’s dream. Let’s dive into the ingredients, expert baking advice, health perks, and answer your most-asked cookie questions!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Flatten slightly with your palm.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies. Add lemon zest on top if desired.
Expert Chef Tips 🍽️
Chef Ina Garten: “Always use fresh lemons. The bottled stuff doesn’t have the same brightness or aroma.”
Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overmix the dough. Gentle folding keeps them soft and chewy.”
Ree Drummond: “Double the zest for a bolder lemon punch—it’s the secret to truly lemony cookies!”
Bobby Flay: “Add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze to enhance the citrusy sweetness.”
Health & Safety Considerations 💡
- Use organic lemons to avoid wax and pesticides when zesting.
- Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Control portion size—these cookies are sweet and rich.
- Store in airtight containers to prevent bacterial spoilage (especially with glaze).
Nutrition & Health Benefits (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal | Moderate indulgence for an energy boost. |
| Fat | 6 g | Mostly from butter—provides rich texture. |
| Sugar | 11 g | Natural sugar balance with citrus. |
| Protein | 1.2 g | Small amount from flour and egg. |
| Fiber | 0.3 g | Minimal—optional to add chia or flaxseed. |
| Vitamin C | 2.5 mg | From fresh lemon juice and zest. |
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
- Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is strongly recommended for taste and aroma. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags up to 3 months. - Do these cookies spread?
A little. Flatten gently for uniform thickness. - Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds extra tang and shine! - What flour alternatives work?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for GF baking. - How do I store them?
In airtight containers at room temp for 4–5 days or freeze up to 3 months. - Can I make them vegan?
Substitute egg with flax egg and butter with vegan margarine. - Can I add poppy seeds?
Absolutely! Add 1 tbsp for a lemon-poppy twist. - Why did mine turn out hard?
Likely overbaked. Pull them when just golden at edges. - Can I make these into bars?
Yes! Press dough into a square pan, bake 18–20 mins, then glaze.
Explore More Recipes 🍰
Craving more citrus delights? Try our Lemon Pound Cake or lighten things up with Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars. Love cookies? Our Brown Butter Snickerdoodles are another fan favorite!
These Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies are a vibrant, joyful dessert that brings sunshine to any day. Quick to prepare, perfect for sharing, and packed with lemony goodness, they’re destined to become a staple in your cookie collection. 🍋🍪
